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Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Certificate

Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Certificate
Medical laboratory scientists are healthcare professionals who perform and evaluate laboratory tests that assist physicians in detecting, diagnosing and treating disease. Medical laboratory scientists work in hospitals, research, reference, and forensic laboratories. Students who already have a bachelor's degree and required prerequisite coursework may apply to the MLS program and after successful completion of the internship year will receive a certificate.

The UCCS MLS Program is offered through the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) MLS Program. UNMC supplies the academic curriculum and is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Medical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Participating hospital laboratories provide the laboratory internships. The MLS year is 43 credits and is divided into three parts:

Student lab - 13 weeks on site at UNMC in Kearney, Nebraska beginning in May each year.

First clinical rotation - 17 weeks

Second clinical rotation - 17 weeks

During clinical rotations 1 and 2 the student will receive academic material online via Blackboard educational platform coincident with performance of medical laboratory work under the supervision of a hospital laboratory technologist. Upon completion of this year's work the student will qualify for a post baccalaureate (4+1) certificate with qualifications to sit for the national ASCP certification exam.

Requirements and Prerequisite Coursesfor the MLS programfor Students with a Bachelor's Degree
Admissions Requirements: A minimum of 77 semester hours. The 77 semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours) must include the following:

Grade of C or better in all required courses
Cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale
Math/Science GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale
Minimum of 20 on ACT exam; Minimum 1440 SAT Cumulative
TOEFL exam for foreign students where English is a second language
Upper level science courses taken at a 4-year institution are strongly recommended.

Additional notes: a maximum of 60 semester hours can be accepted from a community college. All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an ASCP Board of Certification-approved agency. * UCCS 3+1 students must go through the application process for clinical placement. UCCS 3+1 students are not guaranteed admission to clinicals. Deadline for the application process for the clinical year is November 30 of the third year.

Financial Aid eligible programs are for those who qualify. Degree seeking students should consult with their student advisor prior to taking courses to ensure that the courses apply appropriately to their degree completion. For a full description of UCCS certificate types and policies please visit: